Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.9399
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Portrait of Isaac Newton
Date
1732
Sitter
Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727, British) , Natural philosopher
Creator
After
John Vanderbank (1694 - 1739, British) , Painter
Object type
Archive reference number
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 370mm
width (print): 262mm
width (print): 262mm
Subject
Description
Medallion bust of Newton in profile facing the viewer's right. The head is encircled by the motto: "PRAECLARISSIMUS. ISAACUS. NEWTON. EQUES."The medallion in within a starry firmament with allegorical figures top and bottom. One putto holds a scroll bearing the legend: "Ecce Philosophorum Princeps". A figure carrying scales points to a solar system below the portrait. Inscribed below "Sold by I. King at the Globe in the Poultry."
Verses below read:
"See the great Newton, He who first Survey'd
The Plan, by which the Universe was made;
Saw Natures Simple, yet Stupendous hours
And prov'd the Effects tho' not explain'd the Cause.
O wondrous Man! in whom the heavenly Mind
Shines forth distinguish'd, and above Mankind:
Whilst here on Earth, how humble, wise and good!
In Heav'n a Star of the first Magnitude!"
Sir Isaac Newton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1672, he served as its President from 1703 to 1727.
Verses below read:
"See the great Newton, He who first Survey'd
The Plan, by which the Universe was made;
Saw Natures Simple, yet Stupendous hours
And prov'd the Effects tho' not explain'd the Cause.
O wondrous Man! in whom the heavenly Mind
Shines forth distinguish'd, and above Mankind:
Whilst here on Earth, how humble, wise and good!
In Heav'n a Star of the first Magnitude!"
Sir Isaac Newton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1672, he served as its President from 1703 to 1727.
Object history
From "Collectanea Newtoniana", by Charles Turnor, 1837. Collected prints, original artwork and manuscripts relating to Sir Isaac Newton.
Volume 1 contains portraits of Sir Isaac Newton, notably watercolour copies of several contemporary works. Also, paintings of houses and objects associated with Newton, with genealogical information and biography. Title page: "Collectanea Newtoniana. Being a selection of the most authentic engraved portraits of Sir Isaac Newton Knt., and other eminent Philosophers Mathematicians and Distinguished Men who were connected with, or whose pursuits bore an affinity to those of that illustrious person from the time of Copernicus to the Death of Newton accompanied with a Memoir of each. Collected arranged and compiled by Charles Turnor F.R.A.S. & F.S.A. Predendary of Lincoln. AD MDCCCXXXVII." Collection and supporting text is presented on leaves with decorative borders. Beneath the title page of volume 1 "Arms painted by Thos Dowse, 39 Upper Charlotte St. Fitzroy Square". There is a dedication page [p.4] addressed to the Royal Society and presenting the volumes.
Volume 1 contains portraits of Sir Isaac Newton, notably watercolour copies of several contemporary works. Also, paintings of houses and objects associated with Newton, with genealogical information and biography. Title page: "Collectanea Newtoniana. Being a selection of the most authentic engraved portraits of Sir Isaac Newton Knt., and other eminent Philosophers Mathematicians and Distinguished Men who were connected with, or whose pursuits bore an affinity to those of that illustrious person from the time of Copernicus to the Death of Newton accompanied with a Memoir of each. Collected arranged and compiled by Charles Turnor F.R.A.S. & F.S.A. Predendary of Lincoln. AD MDCCCXXXVII." Collection and supporting text is presented on leaves with decorative borders. Beneath the title page of volume 1 "Arms painted by Thos Dowse, 39 Upper Charlotte St. Fitzroy Square". There is a dedication page [p.4] addressed to the Royal Society and presenting the volumes.